*Gene, I support you thoughts, after all you are the Michael Jordan of successful events in promotions here in Birmingham and that is saying a lot. Help move the thinking of this Birmingham away from the past history of our City.

What are we going to do about improving race relations in our city?There is not enough attempts by the leaders of our city to promote events or programs to address issues that continue to separate the people of such a diverse,unlimited potential,metro area.Why has Nashville,Jacksonville,and Charlotte,figured it out,and we struggle to even have a viable transit system,among other things.It all goes back to ,all people, working together to move us toward greatness.

*Great question Michael. I see no one attempted to respond, but I will 5 months later. Birmingham Natives looks at things as black or white and that’s wrong because general that is the way it is. How to solve? Improve the economic growth of minority and support their success. The success of the minority group will produce a ripple effects to the entire community. Open up the channels for resources to make an idea be an “Amos Cookie”. Keep in mind the projects produce employment and the good or idea is unique and supported by everyone. There is more where this is coming from.

*Gene why don’t you manage the Fair Park/Crossplex Complex and get the activities in there that would foster businesses coming to us for our venue. That would stimulate demand thus expanded the development of the Complex and the entire Western Section of Birmingham? You are good at it, Just Do IT, Nothing happens when one does not advertise as well as global marketing.

Agree with Michael however just by proclaiming that Nashville, Jacksonville and Charlotte have ‘figured it out’ tell us nothing. Just what precisely have they ‘figured out’? If you can be specific, those issues can intelligently be addressed and compared to the Magic City

*Nashville, Jacksonville, and Charlotte have consolidated county/city government. They have one vision with everyone working together. We have 35+ municipalities who are all working against one another.

*If you look at the timing of Charllote, Nashville and Jacksonville beginning their move to their present status you will find that it began with the formation of a metropolitan form of government. Just as the tipping point in getting UAB football reinstated was a dedicated group of INFLUENTIAL and POWERFUL business leaders stepping forward and making their views and wishes know it will take such a push from the “power structure” to move Birmingham in the direction of metro government.

We have something unique here in Birmingham that in 15 short years has not only positively affected our whole county but the whole state and beyond. Church of the Highlands has grown from meeting in a high school cafeteria to 14 campuses with 40,000 members, and we have no debt! The crown jewel is the Dream Center in the old Woodlawn fire station across from Woodlawn High School, which houses one of the church campuses. The Dream Center works with the community to provide many needs including a free medical clinic. My point is improving relations from marriage to race to government starts with a heart change in the individual, which comes from God. Perhaps another resource consultant could be Pastor Chris Hodges. He has a very good relationship with city hall and since our church is now the 2nd largest in the country I’m sure he has learned a few things along the way.*